15 Jan 2025
A St Albans man in recovery from addiction is running a marathon to help give something back to the place that means so much to him.
James Telford is competing in this year’s Brighton Marathon in aid of addiction and 12-step based recovery service The Living Room, just off Hatfield Road.
James said the charity that has been “instrumental” in his journey to recovery from addiction.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise vital funds for The Living Room, which provided James with free counselling, support, and tools to rebuild his life during the last year.
Now, celebrating one year clean and sober, James is asking for the generosity of the St Albans community to help him to help more people in a similar situation.
He said: “This journey has been incredibly transformative, especially since I began my recovery journey a year ago. Training for this marathon has been more than just physical preparation—it’s been a powerful release and a beacon of hope, giving me something meaningful to strive for.
“My training routine includes running, hitting the gym, and now, I’m diving into CrossFit, which has been an exhilarating new challenge. The dedication and growth I’ve experienced through this process have been truly rewarding.
“To anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or drugs, know that recognising the impact substances have on you is a significant first step. Take a deep breath—acknowledging this is a courageous move. I wholeheartedly encourage you to attend a meeting. They are widely available and offer a supportive environment. Discovering that I wasn’t alone in my struggles and connecting with others who shared similar thoughts made my path to recovery feel less daunting.
“Remember, you don’t have to face those intrusive thoughts alone. Reach out to a friend or a loved one who genuinely cares about your well-being. Sharing your journey with someone who supports you can make all the difference.”
The Living Room is free at the point of access and provides counselling and group work programmes to individuals struggling with addiction. Many of the counsellors draw on their own recovery journey to inspire and guide others.
To support James to reach his £1,200 goal visit
https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-for-recovery-the-living-rooms-life-saving-mission
